Willy Switkes Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) — A character actor who had minor roles in "Tootsie," ''Taxi Driver" and dozens of other films has died. Willy Switkes (SWIT'-kehs) was 83.

His niece Ellen Switkes says he died of colon cancer on Thursday at a hospice in Rockville, Md.

Willy Switkes was a native of Washington, D.C., and a longtime New York City resident. He appeared in Broadway productions of "The Cherry Orchard" and "A Thousand Clowns" and was an understudy to Buster Keaton during a 1960 tour of "Once Upon a Mattress." His other films include "The French Connection" and "Bananas."

His characters often were unidentified, such as his "man at cab" credit for "Tootsie," in which he's thrown from a taxi after trying to cut in front of title character Dustin Hoffman.

NEW YORK (AP) — A character actor who had minor roles in "Tootsie," ''Taxi Driver" and dozens of other films has died. Willy Switkes (SWIT'-kehs) was 83.

His niece Ellen Switkes says he died of colon cancer on Thursday at a hospice in Rockville, Md.

Willy Switkes was a native of Washington, D.C., and a longtime New York City resident. He appeared in Broadway productions of "The Cherry Orchard" and "A Thousand Clowns" and was an understudy to Buster Keaton during a 1960 tour of "Once Upon a Mattress." His other films include "The French Connection" and "Bananas."

His characters often were unidentified, such as his "man at cab" credit for "Tootsie," in which he's thrown from a taxi after trying to cut in front of title character Dustin Hoffman.

Guest Book Highlights

"My sympathies to the Switkes family. May God give them comfort and peace. We all look forward to the time when "no resident will say I am sick" and death will be no more. Isaiah 8:25, 33:24"- Ashley Reed (Pennsylvania)

"It is comforting to know that Jesus, the Ruler of God's Kingdom, is called the “Prince of Peace,” and he will ensure that “to peace there will be no end.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7."- Erica Broadway (Clarkston, GA)

"Our God's plan was for his children to live peaceful & healthy long lives. Know that his plans hasn't changed and are still in progress, until then just remember that God has Willy in his memory, where he will always be in yours. (Isaiah 55:11)"- L. Walters (NY)

"As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends."

"Sorry to hear of your loss. May the God of comfort be with you at this time." (FL)